Gender and Specialty Choice in Medical Students
Author Information
Author(s): Maiorova Tanja, Stevens Fred, Zee Jouke van der, Boode Beppie, Scherpbier Albert
Primary Institution: Maastricht University
Hypothesis
What specific role does gender play in the specialty choice of medical students?
Conclusion
Students' attitudes towards GP work and preferred patient categories, rather than gender, determine their career choice in general practice.
Supporting Evidence
- Female medical students showed a higher preference for general practice than males before the clerkship.
- After the clerkship, the likelihood of choosing general practice increased by 38% among males and 22% among females.
- Interest in chronic and palliative care was a significant predictor of becoming a GP after the clerkship.
Takeaway
Boys and girls in medical school have different interests, but in the end, what they like about being a doctor matters more than whether they are a boy or a girl.
Methodology
A cohort study with questionnaires completed by medical students before and after a 12-week general practice clerkship.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in self-reported data from questionnaires.
Limitations
The study may not account for all factors influencing specialty choice, such as personality characteristics and social background.
Participant Demographics
206 final year medical students, 55% female.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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